Device for the intentional and controllable distribution of a liquid or viscous material

ABSTRACT

A device for controllably dispensing a liquid or viscous material comprises a chamber which is subdivided by a piston into a pressurized gas chamber and a mass chamber. The container includes electrochemical, tablet-shaped, completely enclosed diffusion electrodes, aqueous electrolytes, a gas development cell containing a counter-electrode, an adjusting rheostat and contacts held by a clamping device in the bottom of the container. A vibration-dampening funnel-shaped container cap encloses the top end of the container and is totally compliant and shock-proof. The piston includes a piston seal which has a sealing lip monolithically connected to the piston with a space for a film of grease. An alternative embodiment has exchangeable electric elements and a refilling device. Other alternative embodiments have a simplified compact design for small sizes or for infusion devices or are associated with piston sensors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for controlling thedistribution of a liquid or viscous material, and more specifically, tothe feeding of small quantities of relatively valuable liquid or viscoussubstances according to a preassigned, precisely maintained timeschedule. Automatic, autonomous control of the course of the programproceeds essentially without external intervention.

The invention further relates to refinements, improvements and anexpansion of the field of application of conveyor mechanisms powered bygas evolution cells as the primary energy carrier for fluid to viscousmedia and similar materials to be conveyed.

In the narrower sense, the invention relates to an apparatus forselective controllable release of a liquid or a viscous mass or asuspension of solid particles in a liquid. The apparatus comprises acylindrical container, a container seal with a screw or plug connection,a cylindrical piston fitting in the container with a sliding fit,dividing the latter into a compressed gas chamber and a mass chamber,with a ring-shaped seal around the circumference, and a componentcontaining the electrical elements such as the electrochemical gasevolution cells, the adjustment mechanism, and the load resistors andcontacts.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices for conveying liquid or semiliquid, viscous, greasy or doughymasses which make use of a compressed gas supplied by an electrochemicalgas evolution cell as the force-exercising medium, are already known.Also known is the gas evolution cell itself, whose principle is based onelectrochemical reactions in a primary element. In this cell, a gas,usually hydrogen, is released from the electrolyte. Since the gasevolution in electrochemical cells of this type depends only on theinternal current, provided the other operating parameters are heldconstant, a proportional quantity of gas per unit time is delivered.Since the current depends on the total resistance of the closed circuit,it can be adjusted or controlled and regulated by external resistors.This results in an adjustability or controllability of gas productionper unit time.

Of the numerous types of gas evolution cells available, only those whichhave a compact construction with a gas diffusion electrode are ofinterest. The cell is generally set in operation by closing the externalcircuit.

Devices which make use of a membrane or piston for conveying greasymaterials are already known. In these devices, the membrane or pistonacts as a pressure-transmitting structural component for expelling thelubricant as a function of time. Various other designs have beenproposed in which, for instance, the gas generated expands an expandablebody which in turn acts on a membrane or piston, or in which a cell isinstalled directly in the container lid or in the piston on thepressurized gas side of the device. In other cases, the lubricant isintroduced into an initially closed pouch in the cylinder of the deviceand the pouch as a whole is exposed to the pressure of a piston. In allof the known piston arrangements, for operationally reliable separationof the compressed gas chamber from the mass chamber, special, usuallyring-shaped sealing elements are used. This type of sealing is alreadyknown from piston machine construction in general. The container seal isusually provided with a screwed-on or fitted-on seal for the purpose ofrefilling with lubricant.

Other devices, including infusion devices which are used to conveysolutions of pharmaceutical or medical agents to patients, are known.With these devices, it is common that the cylindrical vessels of ampulesor infusion syringes are used as containers in which a piston driven bygas pressure moves. On the open end side of the container is an insertcontaining the gas generating and electrical control elements, forgastight sealing of the container. At the exit from the container, thereis a push-on injection needle, a catheter or a throttling device.

The known devices for conveying masses by gas evolution cells as theprimary energy carrier leave much to be desired in both their design andoperational aspects. This is especially true of the details and thenumber of constituent components, maintenance, service life,refillability, reusability, especially of the valuable parts, robustnessand operational reliability. The known designs are often too complicatedin structure, too clumsy and subject too strongly to wear.

Therefore, a great need exists for a further development, improvement,refinement and simplification of such devices, in general, as well as inparticular (lubricators, infusion devices, etc.).

The following documents are cited as state of the art:

DE-C-35 32 335

EP-B-0 278 954

DE-A-37 18 341

W0-88/09187

PCT/CH-89/00044

Summary of the Invention

One object of the present invention includes devising an apparatus forthe selective and controllable release of a liquid, a viscous mass or asuspension of solid particles in a liquid, using the pressure exerted bya gas coming from an electrochemical gas evolution cell. The deviceshould have a long service life, low wear and simple economicalmaintenance, with the most far-reaching possibilities of application anduniversality possible, be as simple as possible in structural design andbe comprised of a minimum number of individual components. Thereplacement of elements subjected to consumption or wear and therefilling of the mass to be conveyed should be possible without fouling,and without corrosion or impairment of the electrical contacts. Special,separate sealing elements should be avoided wherever possible, if thisoffers advantages. Visual and acoustic indicators and warning devicesshould be of a simple and operationally reliable type. Finally, thedevice should be as economically produced as possible and suitable foreconomical mass production.

This problem is solved by the device of the present invention, whichmakes use of a tablet-shaped gas evolution cell. The cell is enclosed ina metal housing which receives a gas diffusion electrode, a counterelectrode, and an aqueous electrolyte, and is activated through theoperation of an external circuit. These electrical elements can eitherbe housed within the bottom of the container, forming a monolithicstructure, or connected to the container by a detachable screw or plugconnection which is held by a clamping device to the bottom of thecontainer. The container is further provided with a funnel-shaped sealat the opposite end of the container, which forms the mass chamber.

The invention is described with reference to the detailed descriptionwhich is provided below, taken in conjunction with the followingillustrations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded sectional view of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1a is a side view of the plug connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the external plug-shaped component of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4a is a side view of the plug connector of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4b is a partially sectioned, side view of a refilling device forthe embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the external plug-shaped component of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the internal plug-shaped component of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the container of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned, side view of an alternative embodimentplug-shaped component of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially sectioned, top view of the device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9a is a partial sectional view of the contact of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10a is a partially sectioned, side view of an infusion syringe inaccordance with the present invention, depicting a normal arrangement ofthe components.

FIG. 10b is a partially sectioned, side view of the infusion syringe ofFIG. 10a, depicting an arrangement of components responsive to increasedpressure in the gas chamber.

FIG. 11 is a partially sectioned, top view of the infusion syringe ofFIGS. 10a and 10b.

FIG. 12a is a partially sectioned, side view of an alternativeembodiment of an infusion syringe, depicting the piston of the syringe.

FIG. 12b is a partially sectioned, side view of the infusion syringe ofFIG. 12a, depicting the compressed gas chamber and the mass chamber.

FIG. 13 is a partially sectioned, side view of a path measuring devicefor an infusion syringe.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the path measuring device of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation and longitudinal section (outline)of the basic structure of the device of the present invention,simultaneously showing a version of a lubricator. Component 1 is anessentially smooth cylindrical container of a shape-stable plastic whichhas a container bottom 11 with several offsets. The container bottom, asin the present case, is firmly connected to the container 1, eithermonolithically or separate from it, and is also designed with multipledivisions (for the latter compare FIG. 4). In the present case thecontainer bottom 11 carries the clamping device 12 for the electricalelements (cell, resistor, contacts), which is monolithically connectedto it and which extends into the interior of the container 1, and whichincludes two pairs of elastically springing tongues, provided withbulges, which stand orthogonally to one another. At the end of thecontainer 1 there is a container seal 2 connected to the container by atight connection with, in the present case, a screw connection 3 (for aplug connection, see FIG. 10). The piston 6 includes, in the presentcase, two parts of elastic plastic which can be tightly plugged into oneanother, together with the piston sliding surface, to form a chamber 74for a radially protruding annular seal (which forms a film of grease) inthe form of a lip and a pot-shaped recess/depression 13. The piston 6divides the contents of the container into a compressed gas chamber 4and a mass chamber 5. The recess/depression 13 is of great importancefor keeping the compressed gas chamber 4 small in the interest of theshortest possible start-up time for the piston 6.

The electrical elements used in the clamping device 12 are the gasevolution cell 8 (in the present case a double cell), the adjustment andload resistor 9 (here a potentiometer) and the contact 10, as depictedin FIG. 1a. In the container bottom 11 is an external (pluggable)plug-shaped component 17 provided on its flange with a scale 80 and onits pipe-like neck 21 with an inwardly extending profiled pivot/peg 15,in the form of a rotatable disk for adjusting the resistor 9. In thiscase the pivot/peg 15 (in the present case displaying a cross-shapedcross section) engages a corresponding opening of the rotating resistor9. Component 16 is an O-ring for sealing between the components 11 and17. For clarity, the individual parts of the device are shown in anexploded view. This view also illustrates the sequence of assemblysteps.

FIG. 2 shows the basic outline of the outer plug-shaped component foradjusting the load resistor of a lubricator. The component 17 on thebottom side of its flange has a stop cam which engages a circular grooveof the container bottom 11, which does not encompass a full circle butrather ends in the corresponding stops. With this the end positions ofthe adjustment of the resistor are defined. Component 15 is thecross-shaped pivot/peg in profile. On the top side of its flange thecomponent 17 has a radial activation slot.

In FIG. 3 the basic outline of the container (container bottom side) ofa lubricator is shown. Component 1 is the container, and component 11 isthe container bottom, which has a groove for engaging stops in the stopcam of component 17. Component 81 is the marking arrow for the scale 80(cf. FIG. 1).

FIGS. 4, 4a and 4b show a longitudinal section (outline) of one versionof a lubricator with replaceable electrical elements. The referencenumbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 74 correspond in formand function exactly to those of FIG. 1. The container bottom 411 isdivided and consists of the actual offset container bottom 411, with athreaded central opening and the outer pluggable and inner screwableplug-shaped components 417 and 418. The container bottom 411 is providedwith an annular groove 477 and a scale 480. Structure 417 is a rotatablecomponent while structure 418 is screwed fast to the container bottom,by threading. Component 419 is a disk-shaped flange carrying a markingarrow 481 for the scale 480, of the outer component 417, while 421represents its pipe-like neck and 415 the profiled pivot/peg. The innercomponent 418 has a disk-like flange 420 and a pipe-like neck 422 aswell as the clamping device 12 for electrical elements. The flange 420on its inner side carries the peripheral cam 476 for fixation of the endposition. Also on the end face of flange 420, an outer annular groove423 and inner annular groove 424 are provided in which to engage theouter cam 425 or the inner cam 426 of the outer component 417. Structure427 is the O-ring between the container bottom 411 and the innercomponent 418. Structure 416 is the O-ring between the container bottomand the outer component 417. As an accessory a refilling device 479, asshown in FIG. 4b, is provided in the form of a cartridge equipped withfolding bellows and an internal threaded adapter nipple. For clarity theindividual parts are shown in an exploded view.

FIG. 5 shows the basic outline of the outer plug-shaped component of alubricator with replaceable electrical elements, such as are shown inFIG. 4. Structure 417 is the outer plug-shaped rotatable component whosedisk-like flange 419 carries on its outer side a triangular markingarrow 418 for the scale. The flange 419 is also provided with a centralradial activation slot. On the inner side of structure 419 are the cams425 and 426 (shown as broken lines). The profiled pivot/peg 415 and thepipe-shaped neck 421 are also indicated (broken lines).

FIG. 6 shows the outline of an internal plug-shaped component of alubricator with replaceable electrical elements. Structure 618represents the internal plug-shaped component with its disk-shapedflange 620, into whose outer side the outer annular groove 623 and theinner annular groove 624 are received. Grooves 623 and 624 in each casedo not cover an entire circle but rather end in the correspondingsemicircular stops 675 to limit the movement of the rotatable outercomponent 617. The maximum achievable angle of rotation is indicated bya circle with arrow points.

FIG. 7 shows the outline of the container of a lubricator withreplaceable electrical elements. Structure 71 is the container, andstructure 711 is the actual container bottom with the annular grooves777, with stops 778 and a central threaded opening for receiving theinner screwable plug-shaped component 718. The container bottom 711 hasa scale 780 for indicating the relative position of the flange 719 ofthe outer plug-shaped rotatable component 717.

FIG. 8 is a schematic longitudinal section of one version of the devicefor small dimensions (cartridges). The container and piston are omittedin this figure for simplicity. The hollow-cylindrical container does nothave an actual container bottom but ends in the form of an open pipesegment. The place and the function of the container bottom are assumedby the outer pot-shaped component 828 and the inner pot-shaped component831, designed as the turning knob. The outer component 828 (displaying ascale 880 on its end side) is connected by a plug or screw connection tothe hollow cylindrical end of the container (not shown). Component 828is connected by a notch to a radially positioned, elastic spring leafretainer 829 containing a snap-in bulge 889. The spring leaf retainer829 serves to hold the gas evolution cell 88. The axially arrangedcontact 830 (sliding contact) is integrated into the spring leafretainer 829. The inner pot-shaped component 831 on its inner end facecarries the annular adjusting resistor 89 (potentiometer) and thecentral contact 866 firmly connected to it, which completes the currentcircuit to the cell 88. Component 831 is provided on its end side with amarking arrow 881 for the scale. Between the container and the outerpot-shaped component 828, and between the container and the innerpot-shaped component 831, there is in each case an O-ring 864, 865 as asealing element.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross section of one version of the inner part ofthe device for small dimensions (cartridges). Structure 828 is theoutline of the offset part of the outer pot-shaped component. Component830, as shown in FIG. 9a, represents the axially arranged contact with aradial contact tongue (sliding contact). This contact 830 is shown oncemore in FIG. 9a. Structure 88 is the cylindrical, tablet-shaped, singlegas evolution cell.

FIGS. 10a and 10b show partial, longitudinal sections of a firstembodiment of an infusion syringe. FIG. 10a depicts a normal arrangementof the components, and FIG. 10b depicts an arrangement of the componentswith an impermissible amount of pressure in the gas chamber. The shapeand dimensions of the container 91 correspond to those of a standardconventional graduated infusion syringe with a conical plug connection(to receive an injection needle or a catheter). The container 91 on itsflange-side end displays an inwardly projecting bulge 934. Structure 94is the pressurized gas chamber, structure 95 is the mass chamber forreceiving the in-flowing liquid, and structure 96 is a multipartitepiston, with an inner piston core 982 and a threading 985 for receivingan activation rod (to pull the medium up). The piston also has avane-shaped guide rib 946. Component 948 is an external, radial-elasticsleeve whose stop ring 949 lies on the flange of the container 91. Theouter sleeve 948 has a radially inwardly resilient sealing lip 983 andseveral internal conical offsets 951, as well as an inwardly protrudingstop bulge 984. An internal, hollow pressing/sealing plug 942 extendsinto the sleeve 948, which on its outer jacket surface contains at leastone axially running air evacuation opening 944 in the form of a narrowslot and which on its outer end includes a threading 986 for anactivation rod (for disassembly). Between sleeve 948 and plug 942 is anaxially/radially elastic locking/snap ring 954 which simultaneouslyserves to hold the gas evolution cell 98 and the frictional fixation ofthe fixed rod-shaped resistor 99 and the U-shaped resilient contact 910.The normal operating position is shown in FIG. 10a. The initial positionbefore start-up is shown in FIG. 10b.

FIG. 11 shows a cross section of one version of an infusion syringe. Theinwardly lying, hollow pressing/sealing plug 942 on its outercircumference running along the jacket line displays axially running airevacuation openings 944 mutually offset by 90° (in the form of slightnotches). Structure 98 is the gas evolution cell 99, with the rod-shapedresistor shown in broken lines (viewed from the profile), and structure910 is the U-shaped resilient contact, which fits closely with its legson the inner contour of the cylindrical hollow space of the plug 942.

FIGS. 12a and 12b show partial, longitudinal sections of an alternativeembodiment infusion syringe. FIG. 12a depicts the multipartite piston ofthe syringe, and FIG. 12b depicts the compressed gas chamber and themass chamber. Structure 111 is the container of a conventionalcommercial graduated infusion syringe with a conical plug connection.Component 114 represents the compressed gas chamber and component 115 isthe mass chamber. Component 116 is a usually multipartite piston. Thecontainer 111 at its open end has an inwardly protruding bulge 1134 as asafety stop for the piston 116 and an outwardly lying conical shoulder1156. The function of the container bottom is assumed by a radiallyelastic cap 1159 serving as a closing lid which displays at its innercorner a radially inwardly acting resilient sealing lip 1160 and aninwardly lying conical recess 1161. The edge of the conical shoulder1156 of the container 111 engages the recess. The elastic cap 1159 isadditionally equipped in its central part with radially positioned,radially inwardly and axially outwardly acting hook-shaped spring leafretainers 1129 to hold the gas evolution cell 118, and in its part lyingfarther to the outside, with axial guide ribs 1162 to hold the doubleS-shaped contacts 1110. Component 119 is the fixed load resistor.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal section (outline) of a path-measuring devicefor an infusion syringe. Structure 121 is the container, with thecompressed gas chamber 124 and the mass chamber 125. Structure 1267 is aU-shaped housing which has on one of its end sides an axial stop contact1268, and in the other part, several clamp jaws 1269 to hold theinfusion syringe, as well as a linear coil 1270, push buttons 127, andan indicator 1272. A radial contact 1288 is additionally arrangedbetween the tablet-shaped gas evolution cell 128 and the housing 1267.Otherwise the usual seals 1287 for closing the gas chamber 124 areprovided. The piston is equipped with a permanent magnet 1273 whichcontrols the position of the piston, and with it the mechanism ofmovement of the piston, by its electromagnetic coupling with the linearcoil.

FIG. 14 shows an outline of the path-measuring device for an infusionsyringe. The reference numbers 121, 1267, 1269 and 1270 correspondexactly to those in FIG. 13 and require no further explanation. Note thespace-saving design of this apparatus.

EXAMPLE 1

See FIGS. 4, 4a, 4b, 5, 6 and 7

The device is designed as an automatic lubricator with exchangeabilityof the electrical elements (as well as the possibility of refilling withlubricant) that is maintenance free in operation. The lubricatorgenerally includes a hollow cylindrical container 1 of transparentshape-stable plastic, the container seal 2 with a screw or plugconnection 3, the piston 6, the outer plug-shaped component 417, theinner plug-shaped component 418 and the electrical elements 8, 9 and 10.In the present case the container seal 2 is made of elastic plastic witha corrugated funnel for the purpose of flexibility under impact andvibrational stress. The piston 6 is made up of two parts and at thepressure-chamber end has an elastic sealing lip 7 which is prestressedin diameter and which in operation fits closely on the inner wall of thecontainer 1. The sealing lip 7 together with the cylindrical slidingface of smaller diameter defines the space 74 for the grease film, thuscreating ideal sealing and lubricating relationships for the piston 6.The piston has a pot-shaped recess/depression 13 for minimizing the deadvolume in the compressed gas chamber 4 and in order to achieve theshortest possible start-up time of the piston after it is put intooperation. The container bottom 411 carries the scale 480 and isprovided with a groove 477 with stop 478. The inner component 418includes a shape-stable solid plastic on its pipe-shaped neck 422, andin the present case, has a threading with which it is screwed into acorresponding inner threading in the opening of the container bottom411. The clamping device 12 serves to hold the electrical elements, gasevolution cell 8, rotating resistor (potentiometer) 9 and contacts 10,and includes two pairs of resilient tongue-like grippers whichessentially hold the double cell 8 firmly in all directions. Theelectrical elements 8, 9, 10 in the present case are firmly weldedtogether to form a compact unit. This has the advantage that upondisassembly, or replacement, no contact and fouling problems arise. Theelements 8, 9, 10 may, however, be installed in a common cassette as avariant. The outer plug-shaped component 417 is designed to be pluggedin and engages (with its elastic pipe-like neck 421) a correspondinglyoffset boring in the inner component 418. The profiled pivot/peg 415 fortransmitting the rotary motion to the potentiometer 9 in the presentcase has a cross-shaped cross section (12 corners). The cams 425 and 426of the outer component 417 engage corresponding annular grooves 623 and624 of the inner component 618, with their stops 675 thus limiting therotary movements (see figure description). The peripheral cam 76 of theinner component 618 moves in the grooves 777 in the container bottom(fixation of the end position). The running time is set by adjusting theouter component 417 provided with the marking arrow 481 relative to thescale 480 on the container bottom 411. The refilling device 479 isdesigned as a folding bellows, and may for this purpose be screwed on tothe threading of the screw connection 3.

EXAMPLE 2

See FIGS. 8, 9 and 9a

This is a version of the apparatus for relatively small dimension,so-called cartridges. The outer pot-like component 828 carrying thecircular-ring scale 880 is of a shape-stable plastic. It is sealedagainst the container by the O-ring 864 and against the rotating(turning knob) inner pot-like component 831 (also of plastic) by theO-ring 865 in a gastight manner. The outer component 828 on itsneck-like offset inner end has two notches into which the leaf springretainers 829 are snapped in a radially resilient manner by means of thesnap-in bulge 889, for assembly and disassembly. The leaf springretainer 829 is designed in the region of contact with the outercomponent 828 in the form of segments, and the segments are admittedinto the latter. Preferably the leaf spring retainer 829 includescorrosion-resistant, highly resilient metal material. The bottom of 829serves as an axial spring for retaining the gas evolution cell 88, andcurves inward. To change and replace the gas evolution cell 88 the leafspring retainer 829 is pulled manually axially away from the outerpot-like component 828, the spent cell 88 is removed, and a new one isinserted. The entire assembly in then replaced axially on the component828. The desired quantity of gas per unit time is set by turning theinner pot-shaped component 831, the relative position between themarking arrow 881 and the scale 880 on the inside of the outer pot-likecomponent 828 being a measure of gas production. Operation at differenttemperatures is allowed for by the fact that the scale 880 is designedwith different graduations.

EXAMPLE 3

See FIGS. 10a, 10b and 11

In the present case the device represents an automatically operatinginfusion instrument which generally releases a constant quantity perunit time of a certain infusion solution to the patient. As a rule andfor this purpose, the container 91 of the vessel used is made of aconventional standard hollow cylindrical infusion syringe. Into thethreading 985 of the piston core 982 a metal or plastic activation rod(piston rod) is screwed, and with its aid the medium to be administeredis pulled by the motion of the piston up to the inwardly protrudingbulge 934 on the container 91, serving as a stop. The outer lyingradially elastic sleeve 948 (of a flexible plastic) is forced axiallyinto the container 91, together with the interior-positioned hollowpressing/sealing plug 942 including the electrical elements 98, 99, 910,and is manufactured of shape-stable plastic. This occurs until the stopring 949 comes to lie on the flange of the container 91. By means of thelocking/snap-in ring 954 which engages the inwardly lying conicalshoulder 951 of the radial elastic sleeve 948, the latter is pressedradially outward and clamped in and sealed gastight behind the inwardlyprojecting bulge 934 of the container 91 (FIG. 10a). Upon insertion ofthe plug 942 the gas evolution cell 98 is switched on via resistor 99,while simultaneously a precompression of the gas (air) is achieved inthe compressed gas chamber 94 so that the start-up time of the piston 96is shortened. The gas evolution cell 98 is held in part by friction andin part by spring tension over contact 910. For disassembly andreplacement of the gas evolution cell 98 the above mentioned activationrod is screwed into the threading 986 of the pressing/sealing plug 942and the latter is pulled out axially until the electrical elements 98,99 910 are accessible and the old gas evolution cell can be removed andreplaced by a new one. In the case of an impermissible overpressure inthe compressed gas chamber 94 the inwardly lying pressing/sealing plug942 is forced axially outward by overcoming its friction in normaloperation until its axial air evacuation openings 944 come to standabove the height of the sealing lip 983 of the outward lying radialelastic sleeve 948. At this time the locking snap-in ring 954 remains inits position and serves as an axial guide for the inwardly lying hollowpressing/sealing plug 942. The gas evolution cell 98 at this time, dueto its radial adhesive friction with the contact 910, is pushed outwardtogether with the plug 942 without interrupting its gas evolution. Inthis way the path for pressure relief is opened via the air releaseopenings 944. In the case of external mechanical blocking of the plug942 the overpressure can be released via the radially prestressedsealing lips 983, by their expansion in a safe manner (double safety).After the pressure is released the normal operating position can berestored by pressing the pressing/sealing plug 942 axially in, by hand,thus restoring the operational conveying of the medium.

The invention is not limited to the examples.

The device for selective controllable release of a liquid or a viscousmass or a suspension of solid particles in a liquid, with reference toFIG. 1 (and the like numerals of FIG. 4), includes a cylindricalcontainer 1 and a container seal 2 with a screw or plug connection 3, acylindrical piston 6 fitting in the container 1 with a sliding fit,separating the latter into a compressed gas chamber 4 and a mass chamber5, an annular seal 7 on the circumference and a component containing theelectrical elements such as the electrochemical gas evolution cells 8,adjusting and loading resistors 9 and contacts 10. The gas evolutioncell 8 displays a tablet-shaped construction of metal closed on allsides, a gas diffusion electrode, an aqueous electrolyte and acounterelectrode, and can be activated by closing an outer currentcircuit. The component containing the electrical elements (8, 9, 10) ofthe container bottom 11 forms a monolithic structure with a container 1or is connected to the container via a detachable screw or plugconnection. The electrical elements (8, 9, 10) are held in place by aclamping device 12 and are provided on the mass chamber side end of thecontainer 1 with a funnel-shaped container seal 2. The piston 8 on thecompressed gas chamber side is advantageously provided with a protrudingannular sealing lip 7, creating a chamber 74 for a grease film, and inthe central part with a pot-like recess/depression 13 reducing thecompressed gas chamber 4 to a minimum. The container seal 2 is designedin the form of a funnel-shaped elastic corrugated closing lid with athreaded nipple, where the electrical elements 8, 9, 10 (designed incompact form as a double cell with electrical resistor) are held via aclamping device 12 directly in the container bottom 11. The containerbottom 11 is provided with a marking arrow 81 for the scale. Alsoprovided in the container bottom 11 is a rotating plug-shaped component17 (having a scale 80 and O-ring 16) having a pipe-like neck 21 foradjustable electrical resistor 9 (designed as a rotary potentiometer),which has a profiled pivot/peg 15 which engages a corresponding openingin the rotary potentiometer with a sliding fit.

The electrical elements (8, 9, 10) are designed in compact form as adouble cell with an electrical resistor and are preferably heldindirectly via a clamping device 12 in the container bottom 11, providedwith the scale 80, the latter being divided several times for thepurpose of exchangeability and replaceability of the electrical elements(8, 9 10) and refillability of the medium being conveyed. The containerbottom contains in the central part at least two rotationallysymmetrical components (17, 18) which can be plugged into one anothercoaxially, each displaying a disk-like flange (19, 20) and a neck (21,22), and which are disassemblable. Such structure is provided with agroove (23, 24), limited by the stop 75 and cams (25, 26), with snappingand gripping mechanisms for mutual fixation and for holding the gasevolution cells 8 and the resistors 9 (designed as rotarypotentiometers). To this end, such structure is equipped with at leastone pluggable component 17, with a profile pivot/peg 15 which engages acorresponding opening of the rotary potentiometer with a sliding fit.Preferably a first internal rotationally symmetrical plug-shapedcomponent 18 is present, and is provided with a clamping device 12 withinwardly directed resilient tongues for holding the cylindricalknob-shaped gas evolution cells 8 and the rotary adjustable resistor 9.To this end, a disk-like flange 20 with a peripheral cam 76 is providedfor engaging a groove 77 (with stop 78) of the container bottom 11, andhas a pipe-like neck 22 with outer threading, which can be screwed intoa corresponding internal threading in a central opening of the offsetcontainer bottom 11. In addition, a second external (also plug-shaped)component 17 is present, provided with a marking arrow 81 for the scale80, which is designed to be pluggable into the first component by meansof a pipe-like radially flexible snapping closure (in this case, bothbetween the container bottom 11 via a circular depression and the firstcomponent 18 and also between the container bottom via a depression andthe second component 17, with one O-ring 426, 427 for each connection,as shown in FIG. 4). Such structure is arranged as a seal and, inaddition, a refilling device 79 is provided in the form of a foldingbellows-like cartridge with an internally threaded attachment.

In a preferred version the container bottom 11 containing the electricalelements (8, 9, 10) is divided. An outer pot-like component 28 is sealedagainst the neighboring structural elements by O-rings (864,865, asshown in FIG. 8) and is capable of being screwed to the cylindricalcontainer end. A scale 80 is provided with a radially inwardly andaxially outwardly acting, centrally-symmetrically arranged spring leafretainer 29, clamped on via a snap-in bulge 89, in order to hold theindividual cell 8 as well as an axially arranged contact 30 with aradial contact tongue. An internal rotationally symmetrically component31 capable of being pressed into the outer component 28 and displaying amarking arrow 81 for the scale carries a circular ring-shaped adjustingresistor 9 and a central contact 66 firmly connected to it.

In one variant of the device, as shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b and 11, thecylindrical container 91 corresponds to the graduated vessel of astandardized infusion syringe. At the bottom side the device has aninwardly projecting bulge 934, with a piston 96 having several partsincluding a piston core 982 and a threading 985 for activation rods, topull up the medium. The device is further provided with radiallypositioned vane-shaped guide ribs 946. The component forming thecontainer bottom 911 (containing the electrical elements 98, 99, 910)includes an outwardly lying, rotationally symmetrical, radially elasticsleeve 948 provided with a stop ring 949, an end side sealing lip 983,an inwardly projecting stop bulge 984 and several inwardly lying conicalshoulders 951. An inwardly lying, rotationally symmetrical, hollowpressing/sealing plug 942 is equipped at its open end with aradially/axially resilient inner locking/snap-in ring 954 and airevacuation openings 944 for pressure relief, which carries in its outerend face an internal threading 986 for activation rods (fordisassembly). Finally, the electrical elements (98, 99, 910) include asingle, axially mounted cylindrical cell 98, a short axially positionedsolid electrical rod resistor 99 and resilient contacts 910 formed asU-/S-shaped curved bands.

In another variant corresponding to an infusion syringe, as shown inFIGS. 12a and 12b, the cylindrical container 111 on the bottom-side endhas an outwardly protruding conical shoulder 1156 and an inwardlyprojecting bead or bulge 1134, where a piston 116 is provided. Thecomponent forming the container bottom 11 contains the electricalelements (118, 119, 1110) and includes a single rotationallysymmetrical, essentially radially elastic cap 1159. The elastic cap 1159serves as a closing lid. Such structure includes an inwardly lyingresilient sealing lip 1160 and an inwardly lying conical indentation1161 which engages the conical shoulder 1156 of the container 111 and aradially inward and axially outward-acting, centrally symmetricallyarranged leaf spring retainers 1129 for holding the single cell 118.Axially positioned guide ribs 1162 are provided for the strap-shapedcontacts 1110. Finally, the electrical elements (118, 119, 1110) includean axially mounted cylindrical single cell 118, a short axiallypositioned fixed electrical rod resistor 119 and resilient contacts 1110formed from double S-shaped curved strips or bands.

In a special version, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cylindricalcontainer 121 sealed by the seal 1287 is connected mechanically to apath-measuring device including a U-shaped housing 1267, an axial stopcontact 1268, a radial contact 1288 between the gas evolution cell 128and the housing 1267, clamp jaws 1269, a linear coil 1270, push buttons1271 and an indicator 1272 (via the clamp jaw 1269 and the stop contact1268, and electrically, via the contacts 1268, 1288). The piston 6 isequipped in its interior with a permanent magnet 1273 acting on the coil1270.

The path-measuring device serves for controllable gas production and forthe limitation of gas production (in the limiting case, to zero).

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

General and Lubricators

Hygienic, simple and practical refilling of the mass to be conveyedwithout disassembly of the container seal is possible.

Combination of electrical elements to form a compact unit; no contact,corrosion and fouling problems.

Flawless piston sealing forming a monolithic unit with the pistonwithout special sealing elements such as piston rings, etc.;self-sealing, self-lubricating, without disadvantageous stripping off ofgrease.

Low piston friction; therefore small path hysteresis and low start-upforce required. Container closure fully elastic, insensitive tovibration and shock.

Infusion Device

Applicability of standard infusion syringes makes special manufacture ofcontainers unnecessary.

Visual overpressure indicator.

Simple hygienic and environmentally friendly exchangeability of the gasevolution cell.

Double safety against impermissibly high overpressure.

Simple construction of multifunctional structural elements; omission ofspecial sealing and fixing elements.

Path-Measurinq Instrument

Simple separation of tasks between mechanical disposable part andelectrical device (microprocessor).

Continuously variable program control not limited by any factors orlimitations.

Acoustic and visual warning in the case of deviations from nominaloperation.

I claim:
 1. A device for selective, controllable release of a fluid, aviscous mass or a suspension of solid particles in a fluid, comprising:acylindrical container; a top enclosing a first end of the container, incombination with a funnel-shaped container seal; a bottom enclosing asecond end of the container opposite to the first end, wherein thebottom includes a clamping device for receiving electrical components,the electrical components including an electrochemical gas evolutioncell, an adjustable load resistor and electrical contacts which combineto develop an external current circuit, wherein the gas evolution cellhas a tablet-shaped construction including a metal enclosure receiving agas diffusion electrode, a counter electrode and an aqueous electrolyte,and wherein the external current circuit is connected with the gasevolution cell to activate the gas evolution cell; and a cylindricalpiston slidingly received within the container and dividing thecontainer into a pressurized gas chamber and a mass chamber, wherein thefunnel-shaped container seal faces the mass chamber of the container,and wherein the piston includes a circumference provided with an annularseal and a coupled pair of coaxial plugs for causing telescopingmovement of the piston
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the top furtherincludes a screw connector.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the topfurther includes a plug connector.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein thebottom and the container form a monolithic structure.
 5. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the bottom and the container are joined by a screwconnector.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the bottom and the containerare joined by a plug connector.
 7. The device of claim 1 whereinportions of the piston facing the pressurized gas chamber are providedwith a protruding ring-shaped sealing lip, defining a space forreceiving a grease film, and wherein central portions of the pistoninclude a pot-like recess for reducing the pressurized gas chamber to aminimum size.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the container seal isformed as a funnel-shaped, elastic, corrugated sealing cover having athreaded nipple.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the external currentcircuit includes two gas evolution cells which, together with theresistor, are held by the clamping device directly to the bottom of thecontainer.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the bottom of the containerfurther includes a marking arrow, forming an adjusting scale.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10 which further includes a rotating, plug-shapedcomponent having a pipe-like neck with a profiled peg for slidinglyengaging an opening in a rotary potentiometer.
 12. The device of claim11 which further includes an O-ring for sealing the plug-shapedcomponent to the bottom of the container.
 13. The device of claim 11wherein the bottom of the container further includes an adjusting scale.14. The device of claim 1 wherein portions of the piston facing thepressurized gas chamber are provided with a chamber for receiving aprotruding annular sealing lip for developing a film of grease, andwherein central portions of the piston include a pot-like recess forreducing the pressurized gas chamber to a minimum size.
 15. The deviceof claim 14 wherein the container seal is formed as a funnel-shaped,elastic, corrugated sealing cover having a threaded nipple.
 16. Thedevice of claim 15 wherein the external current circuit includes two gasevolution cells which, together with the resistor, are held by theclamping device directly to the bottom of the container.
 17. The deviceof claim 16 wherein the bottom of the container further includes amarking arrow, forming an adjusting scale.
 18. The device of claim 17wherein the bottom of the container includes a plurality of chambersexchangeably and replaceably receiving the electrical components of theclamping device.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein central portions ofthe bottom of the container include two rotationally symmetrical,coaxially connected components, each having a disk-shaped flange with aneck, a groove which is limited by a stop and cams, and snap-fitgripping means for mutually fixing and holding the gas evolution cells.20. The device of claim 19 which further includes a rotarypotentiometer, and wherein at least one of the rotationally symmetricalcomponents includes a profiled peg for slidingly engaging an opening inthe rotary potentiometer.
 21. The device of claim 20 wherein one of therotationally symmetrical components is an inner plug-shaped componentprovided with a clamping device having inwardly directed resilienttongues for holding gas evolution cells and the rotary potentiometer,and wherein the plug-shaped component further includes a disk-likeflange with a peripheral cam for engaging a groove with a stopassociated with the bottom of the container, and a threaded pipe-likeneck for engaging a correspondingly threaded central opening in thebottom of the container.
 22. The device of claim 21 wherein another ofthe rotationally symmetrical components is an outer plug-shapedcomponent having a marking arrow forming an adjusting scale, and apipe-like, radially flexible, snap-fit closure for engaging the innerplug-shaped component.
 23. The device of claim 22 which further includesa sealing O-ring positioned between the bottom of the container, througha circular depression, and the inner plug-shaped component, and betweenthe bottom of the container, through a depression, and the outerplug-shaped component.
 24. The device of claim 23 which further includesa refilling device formed as a folding bellows-like cartridge withinternal threads for attachment to the device.
 25. The device of claim 1wherein the bottom of the container is divided, and receives an outerpot-like component including a scale and having threads for engaging thesecond end of the container, and wherein O-rings seal the outer pot-likecomponent against the container.
 26. The device of claim 25 whichfurther includes radially inwardly and axially outwardly acting,centrally-symmetrically arranged leaf spring retainers having snap-inbulges for clamping a single gas evolution cell to an axially arrangedcontact with a radial contact tongue, and an inner rotationallysymmetrical component pressed into an outer component and including amarking arrow forming a scale, wherein the rotationally symmetricalcomponent includes a circular, ring-shaped adjusting resistor connectedwith a central contact.
 27. The device of claim 1 wherein the containeris a graduated vessel of an infusion syringe, and wherein one of theplugs of the piston is threaded to receive an activation rod forinfusing a medium.
 28. The device of claim 27 wherein the plugs areseparated by an internally locking snap-in ring.
 29. The device of claim28 wherein the plugs include an outwardly-lying, rotationallysymmetrical sleeve and an inwardly-lying, rotationally symmetrical,hollow-pressed sealing plug.
 30. The device of claim 29 wherein thecontainer includes a stop bulge formed on inner portions of thecontainer, for limiting withdrawal of the sleeve from the container. 31.The device of claim 30 wherein the sleeve includes a stop ring forengaging a flange formed on the container, for limiting movement of thesleeve into the container.
 32. The device of claim 31 wherein thesealing plug includes an air evacuation opening for releasing anoverpressure from the pressurized gas chamber responsive to telescopingof the sealing plug relative to the sleeve.
 33. The device of claim 27which includes a single gas evolution cell, an axially positioned, fixedelectrical rod resistor, and spring contacts formed of curved bands. 34.The device of claim 1 wherein the container is a graduated vessel of aninfusion syringe, wherein the bottom of the container has an outwardlyprojecting conical shoulder and an inwardly projecting bulge, andwherein the bottom of the container includes a single, rotationallysymmetrical elastic cap forming a closure lid with an inner, resilientsealing lip.
 35. The device of claim 34 which further includes an inner,conical recess which engages the conical shoulder of the container,radially inwardly and axially outwardly acting, centrally symmetricalleaf spring retainers for holding the single gas evolution cell, andaxially positioned guide ribs forming strap-shaped contacts.
 36. Thedevice of claim 35 which includes a single, axially mounted gasevolution cell, an axially positioned, fixed electrical rod resistor,and resilient contacts formed as curved bands with a double S-shape. 37.The device of claim 1 wherein the container is enclosed by a seal and isfirmly mechanically connected with a path-measuring device including aU-shaped housing, an axial stop contact, a radial contact between thegas evolution cell and the housing, clamp jaws, a linear coil, pushbuttons and an indicator, which are mechanically connected by the clampjaws and the stop contact, and which are electrically connected by theelectrical contacts, and wherein the interior of the piston includes apermanent magnet for acting on the coil.